Moving from North Las Vegas, NV to Downey, CA
It is a 280 mi drive, roughly 5h 9m, between North Las Vegas, NV and Downey, CA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
280 mi Β· 5h 9m by car Β· NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 15 ALT, I 15, US 93 |
| Major cities en route | Las Vegas, Henderson, Victorville, San Bernardino, Rialto |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| North Las Vegas | Downey | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.215 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.646 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 115.538 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.3% above North Las Vegas β 100.215 β 113.566 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: North Las Vegas -1.8%, Downey +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | North Las Vegas | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 4.3" | 12.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: N LAS VEGAS, NV US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | North Las Vegas | Downey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 270,773 | 111,793 |
| Median household income | $76,772 | $87,400 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.4% | 17.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.16 | 3.22 |
Households in Downey earn about 13.3% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Downey MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nevada and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Downey sees only 12.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Downey more expensive than North Las Vegas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Downey is 13.3% higher than North Las Vegas (113.566 vs 100.215, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Downey, CA from North Las Vegas, NV?
The driving distance is 280 mi and the route typically takes 5h 9m via I 15 ALT and I 15. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Downey compared to North Las Vegas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $888,710 in Downey vs $407,047 in North Las Vegas β a 118.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in North Las Vegas vs Downey?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,400 in Downey vs $76,772 in North Las Vegas β a 13.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from North Las Vegas to Downey?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 280 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Downey compare to North Las Vegas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Downey MSA vs $43,510 in the North Las Vegas MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,083,320 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from North Las Vegas.
City profiles: North Las Vegas, NV Β· Downey, CA.